Category Archives: Made in USA

I once had a crazy dog. He was male and our neighbor’s dog was his best buddy pal. On Friday nights usually we would visit and drink wine, the women, and the doggies would play together. Often, the two male dogs would hump one another. And on occasion, they would wrap their paws around humans, usually men, and do their thing. We laughed and thought it indiscriminately funny. We joked about them being gay dogs and were mortified when their behavior became out of control, when they assaulted people’s legs with their overzealous sex drives. Hormones, who knew.

Thankfully, Cici has never been interested when canine friends or strangers have tried to have their way with her. She lets them know in no uncertain terms that they better move on or she will kick their butts. Growl growl growl. The dog in the photo below looks similar to Cici but she would never do such a thing with a member of her own species, never mind another. Just a funny photo, right.

There has been a lot of public discourse on the Internet and TV about groping women, sexual assault and locker room talk amongst men during this seemingly endless political election cycle due to the fact that the GOP candidate has been accused of assaulting numerous women. I have lost count, has it been nine or 15 or countless hordes? Ir started with the tape of him bragging about being a sexual predator. Women have this week come forth citing that he would peek into the dressing rooms at pageants to gape at half naked and naked young girls. He has even groped his own daughter on TV and called her a ‘piece of ass.’

He has countered the accusations by denying their veracity, threatening to sue the media, attacking the women by calling them dogs, pigs, not good looking enough for him to grope, and pretending to be the victim in the scenarios. It is common for abusers, bullies and predators to DENY, ATTACK AND REVERSE THE VICTIM AND OFFENDER ROLES. As far as I and many women and men are concerned, he is an unregistered sex offender and hopefully in the upcoming court case where he is accused of raping a woman when she was 13, he will reap what he has sown. Certainly, because of these instances and many other ways he has been mean, cruel, insensitive and hurt men, women and children, and his ignorance and belligerent attitude, racist associations and claims, serial lies, even about things he has said on tape, he is unfit for office. As the Australians in Parliament said, he is a revolting slog.

Cici and I have a lot more to say on this topic but will only discuss a few important items here. First of all, where there is smoke there is fire. Remember Bill Cosby? How many women did it take to come forward and accuse him before we started to believe that just maybe there was some truth in what the women were saying.

Women are too often not believed when they accuse a male of raping or groping them without consent. However, rapists lie 100% of the time and too often get off without any jail time due to the favorable to rapists culture we live in. ALL women have been harassed and assaulted by boys or men. ALL WOMEN.

Two, whatever the orange mutant has done and said has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with Bill Clinton, who is NOT running for president. I actually did NOT vote for him either after I found out about his affair while he was governor from the person he had the affair with. This was before I even knew who he was and the story was sleazy and I vowed not to vote for him. NONE OF THIS EXCUSES THE GOP CANDIDATE FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE AND SAID.

Imagine IF Hillary Clinton groped a man…and/or done or said half of what Trump has.

We LOVE what Seth Meyers said about why it has taken women so long to come forward. Many said it was because of at the last debate Trump lied and said he had never assaulted a woman.

Meyers summed up the issue pretty quickly.

“When people ask why women wait to report sexual assault, that’s why, because instead of believing them, you question their motives,” he said.

“Stop pretending there’s an optimal time for women to go public with these kinds of allegations,” he added. It’s not like if you do it within the first 24 hours, you get a parade and an iTunes gift card.”

By the way, some women haters in the GOP think sexual assault IS FUNNY, they created a hashtag poking fun of the brave women who have come forward to speak their truths.

We also like what this woman wrote:

“The reality of our culture is that all women—yes, all—know what it feels like to be sexually harassed. Chances are they also know what it feels like to be assaulted. Every woman knows what it is to be talked over, paid less, fetishized. Every woman knows what it is to walk alone in her own neighborhood and feel the hairs on the back of her neck tense when a man walks by who gives her a bad feeling. Every woman knows how to quicken her step at night and look ahead into dark corners and cross to the other side of the street when nervous. Every woman knows what it is to be called “honey.”

As women have been saying for lord knows how long and as they will continue to chant for much longer still: We are not your honey.

and

“We are done being quiet. We are done looking for our place, trying not to cause trouble, trying to smooth things over. We are done being told that we are worth less, both for the work we do and for the nature of who we are. We are done being tasked with bringing the next generation into this world and raising them and feeding them and loving them only to have them grow up and spit in our face and lurch at us and whistle and tell us how much we do or do not please them with our looks and our behavior and our words.

“We are done feeling threatened walking down the sidewalk in our own neighborhood, in any neighborhood, at any time of day. We are done with feeling unsafe in our skins. We are done with being told our views and opinions are “emotional” and not logical. We are done being dismissed and diminished and interrupted and talked over. We are done with people not listening—never really listening—to what we say and how we say it, until a man says it, too.

“We are done being told that we are only attractive up to a certain age. We are done being told that we can be sexy or motherly and that both are acceptable but nothing but and never together. We are done with people telling us we’re “sweet.” We are done with trying to dilute ourselves to make someone else feel bigger. We are done asking you about your day and you never asking us in return or asking only as an afterthought when you realize you should. We are done feeling like imposters, never asking for more, only taking what is given.

“We are done waiting—for respect, for health care, for equal pay, for the same sense of safety and entitlement that others get to carry with them through their lives.

“We are done being the ones who always have to compromise our own dreams and ambitions for yours.

Millions of women put forth their own stories on Twitter about their FIRST assault. After I wrote my own, numerous other incidences bubbled up inside of me. Situations that I had forgotten about like the rabbits foot incident, the gold lame pants I wore in public when I was 10, the time my uncle groped me, when a guy stopped to ask my friend and I a question, he in his car with his genitals in hand, and so on. Too many incidents of being assaulted and harassed by men. Maybe because I was cute or pretty or naive or young or a female and fair game for predators. Perhaps because ALL women, no matter their age, attractiveness, or weight or height or race or religion are assaulted every day BY MEN AND/OR BOYS on the streets of America and worldwide.The men and boys get a pass because BOYS WILL BE BOYS. But we females have to deal with this all of our lives EVERY DAY worrying about what we wear, what routes to walk to work, streets to go on, neighborhoods to avoid, if we should go to a party or drink, or should we date this guy or not and if so, will he be a gentleman and care about US or just what his friends think and try to get away with assaulting us sexually. And girls and women who dare to speak out and accuse their predators are too often not believed, accused, shamed, and publicly humiliated. Our bodies, minds and spirits violated and re-traumatized because of having the audacity to SAY NO.

NO, we are not objects.

NO, we are not pretty things.

NO, we are not toys to be used.

NO, our bodies are not PUBLIC PROPERTY.

NO MEANS NO… no matter where, when or how we say it NO MEANS NO. It does NOT MEAN MAYBE OR YES. NO MEANS NO, go away and leave us alone. NO your hands are not welcome on any part of my body. NO, your tongue is not welcome being thrust down my throat or slobbered on my lips. NO, your words are insulting, demeaning, hateful and INAPPROPRIATE. NO, your eyes staring at my breasts or butt or vagina ARE NOT WELCOME.

Bottom line we deserve a PRESIDENT that we can trust not to rape, grope, or assault little girls, teenagers and women, especially not one who has been terrorizing females and minorities for decades.

Or as the comedian Andy Borowitz said:

Trump: “This is just a case of he-said-she-said-she-said-she-said-she-said-she-said-she-said-she-said.”

We all know that more pets end up in shelters during and after the 4th of July than any other time of year because dogs and cats are terrified when they hear all of the scary sounds of fireworks and crazy people partying.

For a Yankee Doodle Dandy of a good time for you and your pets, here are a few tips to keep your furry babies safe during the upcoming holiday. When growing up, we watched the movie about George M. Cohan, Yankee Doodle Dandy, every July fourth and sang the songs, You’re a Grand Old Flag, Yankee Doodle Dandy, and others.

Be prepared ahead of time.

Party with your pets.

Natural comfort

Soothing sounds

ID your pets

Being a good Girl Scout aka being prepared means getting all your ducks in a row, with your plans, organize where and how you will keep your pets safe, and gather materials you might need ahead of time.

Stay home and have a party with a few friends. Keep the pets in a safe room, with a closed door or baby gate to make sure that they cannot escape. Give them pet treats, bones, toys and lots of water. Take dogs for a walk ahead of time before the party. If you BBQ, do it outside, keep fire from candles and grills out there and away from your animals and obviously, do not light fireworks anywhere near your pets, even in your yard. The point is to limit the trauma not add to it. Keep alcoholic beverages away from your pets as well as inebriated friends.

Soothe and comfort your pets by playing meditative music, sounds of nature such as beach sounds, and/or canine / feline music that will also help ease their anxiety and cover up the pop, boom, and scary sounds of fireworks.

Put your dog tags on, make recent copies of photos of your pets and keep their vet records on hand just in case. If your pet has a microchip, also put a tag on their collar with your name, address and phone number. You want to make sure that if your pet should run off and escape that they will be found and returned to you promptly.

We all know that dogs love to chew on bones (and other items, but we won’t go into that here). I have given Cici all kinds of chews and bones. I have given her raw bones, frozen, but she would chomp them up and I was always afraid that those large pieces of bones might hurt her. What to do? You gotta give your dog a bone to chew on but you are not supposed to give them cooked bones and raw bones can be hard too. (Pun intended).

We have long been a fan of Dr. Joseph Mercola online. The info on his website is quite good, alternatively delicious and healing. And his team includes Dr. Karen Becker, a vet. So, we were delighted to receive these dental bones for Cici’s review. And she LOVES them. She gets one per day and drools whenever I take one out to give it to her. And it is good for me because I know that they are great for her teeth. Win-win. All four paws up and two thumbs up !

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80% of dogs show oral distress by age 3. It’s one of the most common health issues treated in animal health clinics today.

Dr Becker says in the video that telling you not to brush your dog’s teeth is like telling you to forego brushing and just chew granola. She suggests that our dog’s oral health is VERY important. And that is why it is important to brush your dog’s teeth every day. So these bones are not a substitute for that. (Although I admit am not a big fan of brushing Cici’s teeth).

Here’s a quick checklist to help you start taking better care of your dog’s teeth:

UPDATE: We have a winner… Cici picked Susan Christy and her dogs Foxy and Lucy. Thank you ALL for participating in the contest.

YUMMY!

Your dog is invited to try free samplesof Milo’s Kitchen® treats so you can figure out which varieties will have your four-legged friend begging for more.

AND one lucky winner will receive a gift pack. The gift pack will include three varieties of Milo’s Kitchen® dog treats, and a $25 VISA gift card . All you have to do is write a comment (below) telling us how much your pooch LOVES treats and what is their favorite taste sensation (peanut butter, chicken, beef, turkey, lamb etc).

·There’s no such thing as too many pictures of dogs. Receive family portrait photos straight from the Milo’s Kitchen photo booth or take your own selfies. Don’t forget to show off your dog’s look on Facebook, or via Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #MKTreatTruck.

Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck:

·The Milo’s Kitchen Treat Truck will be coming to your area so plan a special date with your dog :

Whenever we travel, Cici has her own bag filled with goodies just for her… these are gotta haves, bring with us items that are crucial for a safe, happy trip. And below, we are sharing some of these items with you.

Some these items came in Cici’s Pet Box (the ones with a *)…a wonderful pick and choose pack filled with items that doggies love and need. One of the things we LOVE about PetBox is that PetBox gives you the option to pack your own box. And the items you have to choose from are not just any old products. They are premium products such as the ones below. Monthly subscriptions … we also love the cardboard box that the items come in. Another cool thing is that for every PetBox purchased, they feed a rescue animal. Oh and cats are not left out in the cold either. There are cat boxes, too.

Here is what makes PetBox unique, compared to other monthly doggie boxes:

All products are made in the US

– Toys and treats are customized by dog or cat size

– When you order a PetBox, it ships within 2 business days

– For every purchase, the company feeds rescue animals with the help of a new partner called Bogo Bowl

Cici loves to jump into the driver’s seat when I run into the store. I come back to find you-know-who drooling on the steering wheel and getting the front seat all hairy.

Here is where the Backseat Barrier™ comes in. Super stylish, this cloth barrier attaches to the back of your front seats, creating a soft wall between you and Fido…blocking that little space above your center console. She can still sit and peer through the mesh top; you can even reach back for a scratch if necessary. Most importantly, this barrier helps to keep you distraction free while driving, and keeps your pup safely out of the front of the car.

What an enchanting little picture book about a little girl named Avery and her best pal Pansy (toy poodle). They go on an adventure, discover the joy of travel and solve a mystery. Written from Pansy’s point of view, adorable.

What can you learn about love and life from your dog? This book is filled with 60 hilarious and heartwarming tales and tips and tons of great photos… Play Fair, Praise Me, Listen Well, Honor my Feelings and more… Try this: pretend you’re a dog and look in the mirror…laugh out loud funny book

Medicine Dog book by Julia Szabo is an inspirational true story about a miraculous cure. One ailing woman’s journey to cure her best friend ends up healing herself. Julia Szabo’s dog Sam was very ill with osteoarthritis. Stem cells restored him to his former and younger self. She went to her doctor and asked to be treated like her dog. She suffered from a chronic inflammatory bowel disease and it took four years for her to become the first American to obtain the stem cell treatment herself.

Give a gift that changes a life… inspires hope and change… and is eco friendly

Gifts from Heifer International are the prefect way to show your mom, grandmother, aunt, or mother figure in your life that you care… fund a project in the USA, to give families in Arkansas and Appalachia in poverty, a leg up… or give a goat, chickens, geese, ducks, sheep, rabbits to help end World Hunger.

this scarf is made in the USA, made of eco friendly fabric and printed with water-based ink… it is soft, shiny, and this company also makes tee-shirts for a cause (endangered species, eat your veggies and other great topics)… tees are made either 100% from organic cotton, a blend of recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and organic cotton, or other eco-friendly materials. To make the RPET, recycled plastic bottles are melted down and then processed into a fine yarn which, in turn, becomes a soft and silky t-shirt. They are made with No pesticides, less plastic in landfills. It takes between 3 to 5 plastic bottles to make each RPET/organic cotton blend tee. After the bottles are melted, the plastic fiber is blended with organic cotton to give these tees their soft, silky feel. These tees can be washed and dried over and over and they won’t shrink, fade or lose their shape.

Photographer Robert Semrow has put together an adorable and whimsical collection of dog themed portraits including a scuba diving dog, a pirate, and my favorites, a baking dog with wonderful ingredients, a furry angel and a chi-wow-wow in a basket and a sombrero hat… each portrait comes with appropriate sayings and props… A wide variety of dogs, sizes and breeds appear in the book. This gift book is in color and is a laugh out loud pawfect gift for all of the doggie mamas in your life.

An eclectic blend of some of the best Paso Robles reds, Blind Dog Midnight Run Cuvee is a delicious, doggone great wine! Barrel aged from 14 to 30 months, this complex wine is a perfect “companion” with meals. Mom is sure to enjoy it with her friends. Perhaps you can even take her to visit this pet friendly winery in Paso Robles where she can meet Toby the blind dog up close and in person. (More about taking mom on a dog friendly trip to SLO County soon).

Once Upon a Flock: Life with My Soulful Chickens by Lauren Scheuer is a laugh out loud and heartwarming story of Lauren’s life with her quirky flock of feathered friends. Lauren builds Lucy a special-needs coop. Lauren hatches a chick in her home. Raising backyard chickens in New England is no easy task but leads to an immensely enriched life as Lauren and her flock’s guardian Marky the terrier soon find out. Every mother hen will relate to the stories in this book.

The Original Dog Tarot card set and booklet is an amusing tool that gives human beings essential insight into the canine psyche.

Want to know why your dog shreds your slippers but ignores his designer toys? Does your pooch really want a puppy for companionship, or are you delusional? The Original Dog Tarot is an entertaining, tongue-in-jowl deck of tarot cards and accompanying book affectionately written for dog lovers who want to divine their canine’s mind. The 30 cards are a takeoff on the traditional tarot; they’re divided into the Major Barkana and Minor Barkana. Each card offers advice for both canines and the humans in their lives. You don’t have to be familiar with traditional tarot to use this deck. It is a witty and wise stand-alone oracle for anyone who has given up mastering the techniques of The Dog Whisperer.

NewsHound and Dog Travel Expert

Welcome! I'm CeliaSue, a creative California-based freelance writer who wants to help you travel with your pets and enjoy the ride. I provide reliable travel info for California, and the Southwest USA (occasionally the rest of the country), plus lifestyle inspiration about being a doggie mama on the road with a spoiled yet friendly polka dot princess named Cici. I also write about romance, eco friendly, spiritual, healthy and luxury travel for various publications.

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CeliaSue Hecht is a third-generation American, originally from New York. She has lived much of her adult life in California and Nevada and is a doggie mama and chocoholic plus a proponent of tiny homes and alternative energy and medicine. In the 70’s and 90’s, she taught personal growth workshops and seminars in Los Angeles and Munich, Germany. In the late 1980’s, she traveled around the world for three years with an international, interfaith, interdenominational, intercessory prayer ministry (Bangladesh, Canada, England, France, Germany, Holland, India, Israel, Singapore, Thailand). She has worked with people with AIDS, fibromyalgia, cancer, people without homes, Holocaust survivors, as well as written about diverse topics such as women’s topics, activism against the Yucca Mountain project in Nevada, alternative health and therapies and travel pieces in numerous magazines and newspapers. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin. Co-author of five romantic travel guides. Go to Paypal and buy CeliaSue a romantic comedy to read on the beach while munching on a chocolate bar.

Dogs do not care if you are rich or poor, fat or thin, fashionable or wear holy jeans. they like you, wag their tails at you and lick you if you let them. Dogs just want to have fun, love … Continue reading →

my Cici can be pretty picky about her cookies. especially healthy ones. a month or so ago, we were at a fair nearby Whole Foods and a local gal had a table. She baked her own dog biscuits and was … Continue reading →

I once had a crazy dog. He was male and our neighbor’s dog was his best buddy pal. On Friday nights usually we would visit and drink wine, the women, and the doggies would play together. Often, the two male dogs would … Continue reading →

500 women over the age of 50 on the monterey bay peninsula are experiencing what I have as well as people across the country have been writing to me telling me their stories. Cici and I are overwhelmed with gratitude for … Continue reading →

California has now made it legal for people to break car windows in order to break a dog out of a hot car. “As of August 2016, Vermont joined forces with Tennessee, Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio in passing laws … Continue reading →